Fridays Future Huddle Looks at the 2016 Offensive Linemen

Each week leading up
to the Spring Game, I’ll take a look at each position Michigan will be
recruiting and which recruit could possibly fill the needed spots. This week, I’ll
be taking a look at a position Michigan has had trouble developing the past few
years- Offensive Lineman

Rick Osentoski/USA Today Sports

Who is Michigan
Targeting as an Offensive Lineman in 2016?

Over the past few seasons, the offensive line at Michigan
has been a weakness. Recently, Michigan’s
offensive line has struggled to create gaps for running backs and to protect
the quarterback. With a brand new
coaching staff with plenty of NFL experience now in the fold, there is high
expectation that players will develop and continue to get better. On National Signing Day, Michigan brought in three new Offensive Linemen in; Nolan Ulizio, Jon Runyan Jr., and Grant
Newsome. While Michigan does have good
depth along the line of scrimmage, I would guess that they will more than
likely bring in two more Offensive Lineman in the 2016 recruiting cycle. With
Offensive Tackle Erik Swenson already in the fold, which other recruits are
likely to fill the needed spots?

1) Michael Jordan
(Canton, MI)

Michael Jordan is a prospect that has had Michigan interest
for a while now. He’s been on campus multiple times over the past year and
seems to be forming a good relationship with the coaching staff. In my opinion,
Michael is the best pure offensive lineman in the state of Michigan in 2016.

Michael already has the size (6’6-285) to play Offensive
Tackle at the next level. He’s got quick
feet and can cover a lot of ground once the ball is snapped. Gets off the line of scrimmage quickly and
engages with defenders. Has a very high motor and has good hand movements. Does a good job of extending his arms and
keeping his feet moving while blocking defenders. Plays very aggressive and
will finish all his blocks. Plays with a
little bit of nasty side. Can pull off
the line and set blocks up field. Very efficient
in run blocking situations, as he gets off the line quickly and identifies his
man. In pass blocking situations, he sets the edge well, and can defend from
multiple angles.

Michael is currently ranked as the #21 Offensive Tackle and
#247 overall according to Rivals. He holds offers from; Michigan State, Ohio
State, Nebraska, Penn State, and Notre Dame. Michael was on campus earlier this
week, were he watched the football team practice.

2) Terrance Davis (Hyattsville,
MD)

There’s not many times watching an offensive lineman on film
can be entertaining, but Terrance is an exception. Standing at 6’4 and
weighing 310 pounds, Terrance is an absolute monster controlling the line of
scrimmage. Terrance is extremely quick for someone his size, and his highlight
tape shows it. He has a great burst off the line, and does an excellent job of
staying with his man until the play is dead. He does a great job of using his
arms to keep pass-rushers in front of him. Not only is he capable of defending
the pass-rush, he is also able to break off the line and set up blocks further
up field. In my opinion, Terrance has all the tools to become a great
college football player wherever he decides to enroll at.

Terrance has a very respectable offer list
including; Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida
State. He is ranked as the #2 offensive guard and #155 overall according to
Rivals. Terrance will also be in attendance for Michigan’s upcoming
Spring Game according to 247’s Steve Lorenz.

3) Ben Bredeson (Hartland, WI)

Ben is a recruit that has been on Michigan’s radar for a while now. He was recruited by both Brady Hoke and Jim Harbaugh. While Michigan had a lackluster 2014 season, Ben’s interest in Michigan never faded.

Ben has good size standing at 6’5 and has room to add on additional weight to his frame. He gets off the line of scrimmage quickly and gets into his stance with relative ease. Possesses a very strong upper body, which he uses effectively to gain leverage on defenders. Plays very physical and will play till the whistle is blown. Does a good job of using his hands to push back defenders and rarely gets beat to the outside. Very polished when blocking the run. Does a good job of identifying his man off the snap and locking into him. Can break off the line of scrimmage with relative ease and set blocks outside the hash marks. Does an excellent job of keeping his feet moving while engaged with a defender. While Ben does have many good traits, he will have to work on his pass protection once he gets to the college level.

Ben is currently ranked as the #3 Offensive Tackle, and #41 overall in the 2016 recruiting class according to Rivals. He holds scholarship offers from many high profile schools such as; Notre Dame, Ohio State, Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, Stanford and Wisconsin. At this point, I would guess that his recruitment will come down to a battle between Michigan and Wisconsin.

4) Alex Akingbulu
(Harbor City, CA)

Alex is a very intriguing offensive lineman prospect. When
Michigan offered him a scholarship in January, it was his first FBS offer. Now,
he holds offers from the likes of; UCLA, Boston College, Utah, and Cal. He’s
seen a steady climb in his rankings, and now is ranked as the #17 Offensive
Tackle, and #238 overall according to Rivals.

Alex is a big bodied (6’6, 275 lbs.) offensive tackle for his
Narbonne High School team. Obviously, since he’s only played football for one
season, he’s very raw. Will definitely have to work on his technique, but for
only playing for one season, I came away very impressed by his highlight film.
Alex does a good job of using his massive frame to gain leverage on defenders.
Has decent speed, and moves extremely well for someone his size. Once he arrives
at college, a redshirt will more than likely be necessary. With good coaching and learning of technique, Alex should be a
starter later on in his college career and have a productive career.

"They
have a great, great coach (Jim Harbaugh). They are very experienced. They know
how to get people to the NFL, a lot of knowledge."

Michigan will surely be one of the front runners to land the
talented 4* recruit.

5) E.J Price (Lawrenceville, GA)

E.J was offered by Jim Harbaugh and staff a few weeks after the coaching change. Although Michigan has had trouble plucking talent away from the South, E.J is a different story, as he lived in Michigan most of his life before moving to Georgia.

E.J is a highly ranked recruit, and for good reason. His highlight reel is very impressive and shows exactly why he’s considered one of the top Offensive Tackles in 2016. He has a massive frame standing at 6’6 and weighing in around 310 pounds. He explodes off the line of scrimmage and instantly gets into his stance. E.J is extremely strong and it shows in his film, as he is constantly mauling defensive lineman. Does an excellent job of getting low and propelling his body upwards. Can get off the line of scrimmage and set blocks up field. Out of all the 2016 offensive linemen, E.J is most definitely in the top 5 for footwork. Equally as good in pass protection as he is run blocking. Wherever E.J ends up playing his collegiate career, he will likely vie for playing time early on in his career, as he is too good to keep on the bench.

E.J is currently ranked as the #4 Offensive Tackle and the
56th overall recruit according to Rivals. He boasts an extremely impressive
offer sheet including; Florida, Ohio State, LSU, USC, Alabama, Clemson,
Tennessee, and Georgia.

Note- List is in order of likeliness
to commit to Michigan, not based upon rankings.

Other Notes

2015 LB Chris Terech will be joining the Michigan football
team as a preferred walk-on. Chris is considered to be a part of the 2015
recruiting class.

2016 3* LB Elysee Mbem-Bosse released his Top 8 on Thursday
night, which included Michigan.

2016 4* QB Brandon Peters also released a Top 5 that
included Michigan. At this point in his recruitment, I would say that Michigan
is the front runners to land his services.

2016 4* QB K.J Costello took to Twitter on Friday to announce that he will be making his college choice on March 26th. With no visit to Michigan recently, it looks as if K.J will either land at Stanford or USC.